Southern believes it has a responsibility to encourage and promote responsible consumption not just to our employees but with our partners in the industry and in the communities in which we do business.

Open to sommeliers under the age of 30, the TopNewSomm Trophy, which is sponsored by Southern, is part of an annual national sommelier competition organized by the Guild of Sommeliers, a non-profit group committed to wine education and service excellence. Sponsorship of the award is an important part of the company’s three-year commitment to support the Guild.

Commenting on John’s honor, Dick said, “On behalf of our entire Southern team, we congratulate Chris on this great achievement. Our longstanding support of the Guild of Sommeliers, and the TopNewSomm Trophy, underscores the importance Southern attaches to supporting wine and spirits education and service excellence in the industry.”About Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc.

Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. is the nation’s largest wine and spirits distributor and broker with operations in 35 markets. The multi-state distributor currently operates in: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Florida, Kentucky, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. Southern also holds operating licenses and permits in Nebraska and Texas. On a national basis, Southern Wine & Spirits of America, Inc. employs more than 14,000 team members. Southern urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve and enjoy its products responsibly.

The Guild of Sommeliers is a nonprofit, member‐run organization committed to excellence measures, development, inspiration, and exchange of information for wine service professionals and wine enthusiasts across the world.